Stikstofmonoxide

Stikstofmonoxide, also known as nitric oxide or NO, is a colorless gas with the chemical formula NO. It is a diatomic molecule composed of one nitrogen atom and one oxygen atom. In the atmosphere, it is a significant air pollutant and a precursor to the formation of smog. Stikstofmonoxide is produced during high-temperature combustion processes, such as in internal combustion engines and power plants. It is also a product of lightning strikes.

In biological systems, stikstofmonoxide plays a crucial role as a signaling molecule in various physiological processes. It is produced by enzymes called nitric oxide synthases (NOS) in mammals and is involved in vasodilation, neurotransmission, and immune responses. In the cardiovascular system, NO relaxes blood vessels, which helps regulate blood pressure. In the brain, it acts as a neurotransmitter, influencing learning and memory. The immune system uses NO to fight off pathogens.

The production and degradation of stikstofmonoxide in the body are tightly regulated. Its short half-life means it acts locally and transiently. Medical applications of stikstofmonoxide include its use in treating newborns with persistent pulmonary hypertension, where it is inhaled to dilate pulmonary blood vessels. Research continues to explore its potential therapeutic uses in various conditions.